Tongue for footwear with changeable overlays

ABSTRACT

Footwear incorporating a shoe tongue, or gusset, and opposite rear tab, various overlays, one or more of structure, attached to the upper end of the tongue, and may be folded over, individually, so as to envelope the tongue and disclose different coloration, appearance, or designs, upon the upper surface of the shoe tongue, to add to its aesthetics. In addition, fasteners may be used for holding the overlays onto the upper surface of the tongue, and additional fasteners, such as a strap, or pouch, may be employed adjacent the underside of the tongue, to hold the unused overlays into storage, as when not in usage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This divisional patent application claims priority to the nonprovisional-patent application having Ser. No. 12/069,125, filed Feb. 7,2008, which claims priority to the provisional application Ser. No.60/900,659 filed on Feb. 9, 2007 and is commonly owned by the sameinventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to footwear, and more specificallypertains to athletic, walking shoes, or footwear in general, wherein thetongue or gusset is applied in the usual fashion to its upper vamp, withthe tongue incorporating one or more overlays that may be unfolded tooverlap the upper surface of the tongue in order to change the generalappearance of the subject shoe.

Obviously, this footwear, constructed of various components, forachieving a multitude of purposes, has long been considered in the priorart. Most of these types of innovations have been in the area of runningor athletic shoes, and generally pertains to various types of soleconstructions, or patterned soles, in order to enhance the efficiency ofusage of the shoe during participation in some type of a sport,exercise, or other activity. In addition, shoes have been modified inthe past to include various changes to the tongue, or other aspects ofthe shoe, such as adding a pocket within the tongue, or pockets alongthe quarter portion of the shoe, in order to add to the utility of thesubject footwear.

For example, the patent to Adamik, U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,060, shows atongue for footwear wherein a pocket is integrated into the gussetstructure.

The patent to Tonkel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,321, shows a tongue for a shoewhich is reversible, held at its bottom edge to the upper vamp, so thatit may be pulled free, turned over, in order to expose its oppositeside.

The patent to Lasher, U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,947, shows a decorative shoetongue simulating and lace securing device, which connects onto thelacing, to hold the overlaying tongue in place.

The patent to Bordin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,466, shows a removable tonguefor a shoe and attachment device therefore, in which appears to be moreof a boot or perhaps a ski shoe in structure.

The published application to Small, No. US2002/0029494a1 shows aremovable and interchangeable shoe tongue.

The patent to McAtee, U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,497, discloses a shoe tongueaccessory, wherein a decorative reversible cover for a shoe tongue isadapted for displaying indicia on the top surface of the tongue. Thestructure of this device appears to be integrated into a pouch structurefor the tongue.

The patent to Smith, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,529, shows a tonguestrapping system for a shoe upper.

The patent to Attilieni, U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,499, shows a footweartongue with removable decorative element.

The patent to Sileo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,979, shows transparent footwearwith interchangeable tongue and insole and kit therefore.

The patent to Marry, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,797, shows footwearwith a detachable spat, within the region of the shoe gusset area.

The current invention is a modification that is quite distinct anddifferent from what is shown in this prior art, but adds similar type ofresults, by furnishing means for revising the aesthetics, appearance,indicia, and decorative designs, that are displayed upon the shoe, inthe region of overlaying its tongue, to enhance the appearance of thefootwear in general.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of this invention is to provide a shoe tongue,which has one or more overlays applied to it, generally at its upperedge, and which may be folded into overlaying relationship upon thetongue so as to change its color, appearance, design, and the like.

This invention contemplates the formation of the usual type of shoe,whether it be a dress shoe, athletic shoe, running shoe, or the like,and which normally includes the usual structure of a vamp, quarterportions, counter, a tongue, all integrated together, and applied to theshoe sole. The essence of this invention, though, is to apply to theupper edge of the tongue one or more flexible overlays, which normallywill reside in close contiguity to the underside of the tongue, andagainst the upper arch of the foot, until such time as the overlays arerequired for usage. Then, as they are needed, one or more of theoverlays may be folded over the upper edge of the shoe tongue, and spanits length in width down to the lower edge of the tongue in proximitywith the upper edge of the shoe vamp, and therein provide an entirelydifferent appearance to the shoe, from a coloration, design, indicia, orof other appearances.

Generally, one or more of these overlays may be otherwise stitched,hinged, held by a hook and pile Velcro means, be held by clasps orclamps, zippered thereto, or held by a spiral connector, to the upperedge of the shoe tongue. These overlays, which may be one, or as many asfive, or even additional amounts, will have their own distinctcoloration in appearance, particularly upon that surface which will beexposed upon the upper surface of the footwear or tongue, as theoverlays are folded into an overlying relationship, to completely changethe coloration of the tongue, during usage.

Generally, these overlays will be a flexible cloth, leather, or othermaterials, and in a variety of color and textures, so that they can beeasily folded over, to overlay the surface of the shoe gusset, but yetbe held at position, under the shoe lacing, during usage.

The essence of this invention, then, is to provide a new method ofchanging the appearance of the shoe tongue. With the usage of thisparticular embodiment, the concept for the shoe can be changed in color,texture, or design of the tongue, without having it turn the tonguephysically, itself, simply by providing one or more overlays that can befolded over into an overlaying relationship upon the tongue, to exposeits own coloration, etc. In addition, by making the tongue and theoverlays of this invention of a wider dimension, they may even extendslightly down the quarter portions of the shoes, so as to be exposedthrough any apertures provided within the shoe structure, such as stardesigns, etc., in order to change the coloration of the shoe, and theside logos, at those positions likewise. The number of overlays that canbe attached to the tongue will depend upon the thickness of the originaltongue for the shoe. It is envisioned that the footwear could be made tooffer a customer five or six different appearances, and looks, for theshoe, by incorporating that number of overlays into the structure of theshoe tongue.

Various methods may be used for incorporating the structure of theoverlays into the tongue. It may be done by stitching several tongueoverlays onto the top of the original tongue at its top edge, andfolding them contiguously against the back side of the original tongue,until used. By removing or pulling each separate tongue overlay designfrom the underside of the gusset, and folding them over the top edge ofthe tongue, and down the front of the tongue through a keeper and downto the bottom edge of the tongue, each separate tongue overlay can haveits own appearance, design, indicia, so as to substantially change thelooks of the shoe, as the overlays are applied. Those overlays that arenot applied will either be folded under the overlay that overlays thetongue or they may yet remain against the underside of the shoe gusset,and against the upper foot, as the shoe is worn. In addition, there mayalso be applied any type of an elastic band, that may be secured to thebackside of the tongue, in order to hold those overlays, unused, againstthe interior of the tongue, while the shoe is being worn. Or, the tonguemay include a pouch or pocket along its undersurface, and theseadditional overlays, not employed, may be slipped into the pouch, andheld into the contiguous relationship therewith, until used. In thismanner, the overlays will not roll up or ball up, against the foot, norwill they add any inconvenience to the wearer of the shoe, during usage.

Another method for attaching the tongue overlays into position mayinclude any type of a spiral type of polymer or metal securement device,or perhaps the use of any type of small rings, such as D rings, to holdthe overlays in position for pivoting about the upper edge of the shoetongue. A soft plastic type of binding could be used with holes punchedin the top of the overlays, in addition to the top of the tongue, as ina spiral notebook, type of holder, and allow the overlays to be turned,individually, as used. The overlays can be attached to the top of theoriginal tongue of the shoe, as manufactured, and marketed. They againwould fold back over the tongue, and slide under an elastic band, orperhaps be held by Velcro at the lower edges of the tongue, and theoverlays, to keep them in position contiguously against the underside ofthe tongue, when installed. In addition, there may be some Velcroprovided at the downward edge of the overlays so that when they arefolded over, into an overlying relationship upon the tongue, they can befastened at the bottom, by Velcro, and held in position during usage.Or, there may an elastic strap provided upon the lower segment of thebottom of the tongue, into which the overlays may insert, to hold themcontiguously against the tongue, particularly in those instances wherethe shoes do not incorporate lacing, to hold the shoe onto the foot,particularly where a slip on type of shoe may be employed.

Another method for holding the overlays in position may include one ormore eyelets, on the top of the original tongue and attaching the tongueoverlays by D rings, as stated, so that the overlays can be folded overonto the tongue, arranged down the front surface of the tongue, and heldunder the laces, as stated. These overlays could then again be foldedback over the tongue, and slid under an elastic band, and be secured tothe back or underside of the tongue, or slipped into a self containedpocket in the tongue, to retain them as when not in usage.

Hence, the principal object of this invention is to provide one or moreoverlays secured to a footwear tongue and which may be folded over, intoan overlying relationship upon the surface of the tongue, and be heldthereto to add or enhance, or change, the appearance, color, design, orother indicia, for footwear during usage.

These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in theart upon reviewing the summary of the invention as provided herein, andupon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment,in view of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In referring to the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of footwear incorporating the overlays of thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is an isolated view of a shoe tongue, showing a series of tongueoverlays stitched along its upper edge;

FIG. 3 shows the back of the tongue, in a modification, and showing howa pocket or pouch may provide a receptacle into which the unusedoverlays may insert;

FIG. 4 shows a further modification to an isolated tongue for a shoe,wherein a series of overlays are linked by retainers or D rings to theupper edge of the shown tongue;

FIG. 5 provides a back view of the tongue of FIG. 4, and discloses how atongue pocket may be provided for inserting the overlays therein asduring non usage;

FIG. 6 shows footwear having a series of overlays held by a spiralattachment to the upper edge of the shown tongue;

FIG. 7 shows a series of overlays held by the spiral attachment of FIG.6, to the shoe tongue, which may incorporate a pocket or pouch forretaining one or more of the unused overlays within the tongue as duringnon usage;

FIG. 8 shows multiple overlays that fit over the top of eye row oflacing;

FIG. 9 shows a series of multiple overlays that fir under the lacings;

FIG. 10 discloses various fastening devices for holding the overlays inplace, and for hooking them at their bottom edges when assembled;

FIG. 11 is a side view of footwear with a flip over top to the shoetongue or gusset to vary its coloration or design;

FIG. 12 is a operational view showing how a finger slid under the pocketlike covering can be flipped to the underside, thereby disclosing a newsurface upon the upper edge of said tongue;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the upper edge of a shoe tongue with aplurality of layers, three in number, being applied to the upper edge ofsaid tongue;

FIG. 13 a is a front view of the upper edge of a tongue showing theouter overlay lifted by fingers; and FIG. 13 b is another front view oftongue's upper edge showing the outer overlay pinched and revealing thelower overlays;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the layered tongue of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a back view of the tongue;

FIG. 16 is a side view of footwear with a modified type of plurality offlaps applied to the upper edge of its tongue, gusset, or overlay;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the tongue with the plurality of overlaysextending upwardly therefrom;

FIG. 18 shows a pair of overlays disclosing differing designs;

FIG. 19 shows the upper edge of the tongue with a series of overlaysextending upwardly therefrom, disclosing how at least three layers ofoverlays are provided for installation and usage with the tongue duringapplication within footwear;

FIG. 20 a describes a side view of the rear of a shoe; and FIG. 20 billustrates a rear view of a shoe with an overlay upon the rear tab;and,

FIG. 21 a shows a side view of a shoe's rear with fingers lifting anoverlay form the sides; and, FIG. 21 b provides a rear view of a shoewith fingers lifting an overlay from the center of the rear tab.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, therein is shown ashoe 1 constructed of the usual style, incorporating a sole underneath,as at 2, and having connected thereon the usual vamp 3 quarter portions4 and 5, and counter 6, as at its back end. Also incorporated into thisstructure of the shoe is the tongue 7 which usually is connected bystitching, as at its lower end 8, to the upper edge 9 of the vamp 3, ascan be seen. Lacings 10 are normally employed for holding the shoe ontothe foot, during usage, although other styles of footwear, such as slipon shoes, that incorporate a gusset or tongue, are also envisioned forusage in application of this invention.

As can be noted, the tongue 7 includes structure 11 securing at itsupper edge, and may be connected by a variety of means for fastening asto be subsequently described. In the preferred embodiment, thisstructure includes a series of overlays that are generally stitched inposition, at the upper edge 12 of the shown tongue, and perform in amanner as to be subsequently described.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the tongue 7 has a series of the structuredoverlays 11 stitched, as at 13, to the upper edge 12 of the shown shoetongue, and as can be noted, in this particular embodiment, the seriesof overlays include two or more here shown as four in number, as notedat 14 through 17. Actually, in any given embodiment, as many as two, oran infinite number of overlays, may be applied in this manner, dependingupon the clearance provided under the shoe tongue, when the footwear isworn, and which does not distract from the convenience and comfort ofthe wearer, during shoe usage.

As can be understood, these individual overlays 14 through 17 may befolded over, one at a time, starting with the initial overlay 14, andwhich may be folded over onto the top surface, as at 18, of the showntongue, so as to expose the coloration of that overlay, onto the uppersurface of the tongue, as can be understood. Thus, if the normal tongue7 of the shoe may be of a coloration that is synonymous with the totalcolor of the footwear as manufactured, the overlay 14, may be of anentirely different color, on its exposed surface, when it is folded overinto an overlying and contiguous relationship upon the surface 18 of thetongue 7, so as to completely change the coloration, appearance, ordesign, for the shown shoe, when worn.

In addition, as can be noted, there may be a keeper device, such as theelastic band 19 provided some distance down the tongue, so that theoverlay may be inserted therethrough, and held in a contiguous positionagainst the surface of the tongue, as the shoe is being worn. This typeof a keeper may be useful where the shoe is of the slip on type, anddoes not incorporate the type of lacing, as shown at 10, in FIG. 1. Onthe other hand, where the lacing is applied to the shoe, this may besufficient to hold anyone of the overlays against the tongue, as can beunderstood. In addition, instead of the usage of any type of a keeper,such as the elastic band, or any other type of strap, as can beunderstood, it may be that the lower edge of the tongue may incorporatesome Velcro, which may cooperate with a similar narrow strip of Velcroprovided at the bottom edge of each of the overlays 11, and be fastenedin that manner to the upper surface 18 of the tongue, as the shoe isbeing used. In addition, when the overlay is then folded over thetongue, once again, as when not in use, it may cooperate with similartype of Velcro, or other type of fastening strap, and held in positioncontiguously against the underside of the shoe gusset, as the overlaysare not used.

As can be seen, the individual overlays may be folded over, one at atime, onto the upper surface of the tongue, to expose each of theirindividual appearances, upon the surface of the gusset, and generallychange the overall appearance of the shoe, to add to the variety of itsappearance. As can be understood, as for example, when overlay 16 is tobe employed, overlays 14 and 15 will have been previously folded over,and then overlay 16 is folded over, in order to expose its coloration,at the top of the gusset 7, during usage. At that time, the overlay 17may remain against the underside of the tongue, as can be understood.But, if the overlay 17 is required, then it may to be folded over, andheld against the upper surface of the tongue 7, to expose its particularchanged coloration or design, during usage.

As can be well understood, utilizing overlays of this type, that maychange the appearance or design of the shown footwear, may be used for,for example, displaying different colorations synonymous with schoolcolors, club colors, or add different types of designs, trademarks, evenadd caricatures, that are exposed at the top of the tongue, within thespacing between the upper edges of the shoe quarter portions 4 and 5, ascan be clearly understood.

As can be noted in FIG. 3, the back of the tongue may include a pouch,as at 20, and into which the various overlays 14 through 17, may insert,between the interior edges 21 and 22, of the pouch, to hold the overlaysin position, as when not in usage. Or, one or more of the overlays maybe employed upon the upper surface 18 of the tongue 7, while the unusedoverlays may insert within the pouch, and beheld therein, as duringtheir non usage. These are just examples as to how the structure andconcept of this invention may be employed in order to furnish means forsubstantially changing the appearance of the shoe, during usage.

FIG. 4 shows another modification to the subject matter of thisinvention. As noted, the tongue 23 has a series of overlays 24 through27 held thereto, in this instance, by a series of clips, fasteners, or Drings, as at 28, as noted. The manipulation of the various overlays 24through 27, when used with this style of shoe tongue is very similar infunction to that as previously described with the stitched form ofoverlays. Once again, as each of the overlays are folded over, onto theupper surface 29 of the shown shoe gusset, they can be held in positionby means of the keeper or strap 30 as previously explained. Or, hook andpile fastening means, such as Velcro, applied somewhere along theoverlays, and on the upper surface of the tongue 23, can be used to holdthe overlays on place against the upper surface of the tongue, and eventhose that are not used, and remain contiguous against the undersurfaceof the tongue, as when not in use. In addition, FIG. 5 shows how atongue pocket 31 may be employed within the structure of the shoegusset, having an opening extending to the internal edges 32 and 33 ofthe shown pouch, and into which the unused overlays may insert, fortemporary storage.

FIG. 6 shows a further modification to the tongue 34, and in thisparticular instance, a spiral type of fastener, as at 35 may beemployed. This type of spiral fastener or attachment may hold a seriesof the overlays 36 to 39 adjacent the upper edge of the shoe tongue,used, with the similar type of keeper 40 shown to hold the overlays inposition, when employed. Or, other types of keepers may be used, aspreviously explained. In addition, FIG. 7 shows how another pouch orpocket 41 may be used, and structured internally into the shoe gusset,in order to hold the unused overlays into position, when not employed.Obviously, in order that the pouch may be opened, and regardless whichtype of fastening device is used, whether it be the stitching of FIG. 2,the rings of FIG. 4, or the spiral attachment of FIG. 6, such fastenerswill be connected with the upper edge of the outer layer of the showntongue, so as not to interfere with the opening of the shown pouches, ofFIGS. 3, 5, and 7, to allow the unused overlays to insert therein, forstorage.

FIG. 8 discloses multiple overlays that are secured at the upper edgesof the footwear tongue, and may be overlaid, one on top of the other, todisclose a series of various overlays that may have multiple colors,designs, or the like. And, the overlays may even be smaller or ingraduated decreasing sizes, so that the main overlay may be at thebottom, as shown at 42, while the upper overlay, as at 43, may be ofsmaller dimensions, so as to disclose a series of multiple designs orcolorations, as the overlays are assembled, on top of the shoe laces.Additionally, each overlay may extend outwardly from the vicinity of thetongue and upon the quarter portions 4, 5 to a securement proximate thesole 2 at the beginning of the instep towards the wearer's ankle. Anoverlay may have a somewhat triangular shape with the point of thetriangle towards the vamp and the opposite ends of the triangle wrappingover the instep towards the securement point. The overlay can secureusing hook and loop fasteners, loops upon posts, and other releasablyconnections.

FIG. 9 discloses a similar arrangement for a series of overlays, as at44, and which may be arranged under the shoe laces, as can be noted. Thebottom end of the overlays may be staggered, so as to provide, onceagain, a multitude to exposed colorations or designs, as the nextoverlay is inserted on top of the multiple of overlays as displayed.

FIG. 10 discloses how the shoe 45 may include means for attachment ofthe overlays, as at 46, at the upper edge of the shoe tongue, as at 47,and which may be held by means of any type of ring, plastic ring,stretch cords, ties, or other devices, for holding the overlays inplace, by attaching through their eyelets, as at 48, as noted.

In addition, the bottom of each overlay may include a fastener such as aloop type of means, as at 49, and which may be engaged onto a hook, peg,as at 50, or the like, as to stretch and hold the overlays in place,once assembled onto the shoe tongue. The fastener may further includeone of stitching, rings, spiral band, hook and loop fasteners, andelastic cord.

In addition, it is just as likely that the overlays may include pockets,so as to hold keys, coins, or the like. In addition, as for example forhunting or work boots, these pockets may be of such size as toaccommodate the location of a heat pack therein, so as to keep the footwarm, during inclement or colder temperatures. Or, one of those icepacks may be included therein, in the summertime, to add to the comfortof the wearer, during usage. In addition, the tongues may be made oftransparent material, so as to disclose various designs therethrough,when assembled. These are examples of the versatility for the usage ofthe overlays of this invention, when installed into footwearconstruction.

As just referred to, it is likely that the tongue of the shoes mayincorporate various types of pockets, or overlays, that may cooperatewith the tongue, to provide means for facilitating a change inappearance for the shoes, when used. For example, in FIGS. 11 and 12,there is shown a side view for a shoe 45 the tongue 51 includes a seriesof elastic and resilient type of pouches, generally called flips, as at52, and these are generally stitched around their perimeter, to theouter edge of the tongue 51, as can be seen at 53, so that the pocket orflip can be grasped by the finger, as can be seen in FIG. 12, andstretched upwardly to flip around the top of the tongue and becomeresiliently applied against the back side of the tongue, when it isdesired to change the appearance of the upper edge of tongue, as can beunderstood.

As shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that the flips 52 can include aplurality of them, as noted at 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c, so that, forexample, while the top layer 52 may have one particular color, ordesign, it can be lifted up and elastically flipped to the back side ofthe tongue, as noted in FIG. 12, so as to display in its entirety thesecond overlay, as at 52 b. And, it is likely that the second overlay 52b could likewise be stretched and flipped over the top of the tongue 51,so as to display in full the coloration or design of the overlay 52 c,when desired. The overlays utilize a construction of Lycra® or othermaterial the readily stretches to invert and fit over the top of thetongue of the shoe.

FIG. 13 a illustrates how a wearer of the shoe grasps the tongue 51 withthe fingers F of one hand and then grips an overlay 52 a, 52 b, 52 cwith the fingers F of the other hand. The wearer then stretches oneoverlay 52 a, 52 b, 52 c over the end of the tongue 51 to reveal anotheroverlay beneath. This stretching can be continued for the various numberof overlaps located upon the tongue. Each overlay is generally stitchedupon three sides, or edges, with the lowest edge, towards the vamp 3 notstitched and generally lifted towards the top of the tongue to flip theoverlay. The various overlays can show colors, team names, team mascots,or other indicia. Further, FIG. 13 b shows a wearer of the shoe grippingboth edges of the tongue 51 with the fingers F of both hands inopposition. The wearer advances the fingers towards the midline of thetongue which pinches the outer flip 52, or overlay, at the center andreveals the overlays locating beneath.

In an alternate embodiment, the overlay 52 has a tubular, or sleevelike, form, or shape, with a fixed end and a free end. The fixed endattaches the overlay to the tongue generally at the top or opposite thevamp. The free end extends away from the fixed end. During a period ofnon-usage, the tubular overlay folds beneath the tongue. When the wearerdesires to change the appearance of the tongue, the wearer extends thetubular overlay from beneath the tongue and outwardly from the fixedend. The wearer then rolls, or peels, the overlay outwardly from theaxis of the tubular shape and reveals the interior surface of theoverlay. The wearer rolls the overlay towards the tongue upon the entirecircumference of the tubular overlay. The wearer pulls the overlaytowards and then upon the tongue similar to a person placing a sock upona foot. The wearer pulls the overlay like a sleeve upon the top andbottom surfaces of the tongue and thus the tongue attains the appearanceof the interior of the tubular overlay which may have differentcoloring, indicia, logos, and the like from the top surface of thetongue. The free end of the overlay locates proximate the vamp while thefixed end of the overlay remains exposed upon the tongue opposite thevamp.

The preceding has described a tongue with one tubular overlay. Thisalternate embodiment can also have a plurality of overlays. Each of theplurality of overlays has a tubular, or sleeve like, form with a fixedend secured upon the tongue opposite the vamp and a free end oppositethe fixed end. During a period of non-usage, the tubular overlays foldbeneath the tongue in a mutually parallel orientation. When the wearerdesires to change the appearance of the tongue, the wearer extends theselected tubular overlay from beneath the tongue and outwardly from thefixed end. If the selected tubular overlay was the closest to thetongue, the wearer unfolds the remaining overlays of the plurality frombeneath the tongue and places them upon the top surface of the tongue.The wearer then rolls, or peels, the selected overlay outwardly from theaxis of the tubular shape and reveals the interior surface of theselected overlay. The wearer rolls the overlay towards the tongue uponthe entire circumference of the tubular overlay. The wearer pulls theoverlay towards and then upon the remaining overlays and the tonguesimilar to a person placing a sock upon a foot. The wearer pulls theoverlay like a sleeve upon the top and bottom surfaces of the tongue andthus the tongue attains the appearance of the interior of the selectedtubular overlay which may have different coloring, indicia, logos, andthe like from the top surface of the tongue. The free end of theselected overlay passes over the remaining overlays and locatesproximate the vamp while the fixed end of the selected overlay remainssecured to the tongue with the remaining overlays but exposed upon thetongue opposite the vamp.

If the selected tubular overlay was the furthest from the tongue of theplurality, the wearer leaves the remaining overlays of the pluralitybeneath the tongue. The wearer then rolls, or peels, the selectedoverlay outwardly and reveals the interior surface of the selectedoverlay. The wearer then rolls the overlay towards the tongue upon theentire circumference of the tubular overlay. The wearer pulls theoverlay towards and then upon the tongue along with the remainingoverlays beneath the tongue and the tongue. The wearer pulls theselected overlay like a sleeve upon the top surface of the tongue so thetongue attains the appearance of the interior of the selected tubularoverlay. Like before, the free end of the selected overlay passes overthe remaining overlays and locates proximate the vamp while the fixedend of the selected overlay remains secured to the tongue with theremaining overlays but exposed upon the tongue opposite the vamp.

If the selected overlay is within the plurality of overlays, the wearerunfolds the overlays beneath the selected overlay upon the top surfaceof the tongue and retains the overlays above the selected overlay, thosetowards the tongue, in place. The wearer then rolls and peels theselected tubular overlay towards the tongue. The wearer slips the freeend of the selected tubular overlay upon those overlays above the tongueand the remaining overlays beneath the tongue. The free end of theselected tubular overlay reaches proximate the vamp while the fixed endremains at the top of the tongue opposite the vamp. The selected tubularoverlay retains the plurality of overlays upon the tongue in a compactform, comfortable for the wearer. The preceding has described thealternate embodiment of the overlays having a tubular form and appliedsingly or in a plurality upon a shoe with a tongue.

Thus, as can be determined, there can be as many of the overlays asdesired, within reason, that can be flipped to the back side of thetongue, or once again returned to the front side of the tongue, when itis desired to display the design or coloration of that particularoverlay, upon the upper front surface of the tongue, in a manner as canbe seen in FIG. 11. The overlays will be stitched along the side edgesand top of the tongue, as along the edges 54, as noted in FIG. 14, andthese overlays can then be stretched and flipped over onto the back sideof the tongue, as noted in FIG. 15, where the flip or overlay 52 a hasbeen arranged.

These overlays or flips, which form a pocket like structure at the topof the tongue, can be made of a resilient or elastic type of material,such as a Lycra, and which are stitched around the upper side edges andthe top of the shoe tongue 51, so as to allow them to be stretched andforced to the back side of the tongue, when a new coloration surface isdesired for the upper front of the tongue, while the shoes are beingworn.

FIG. 16 shows a variation upon the type of overlays or multi-layers thatmay be applied to the upper surface of the tongue, during usage of theshoe. As noted, in this instance, the shoe tongue, gusset, or overlay,as noted at 55 upon the shown shoe 56 also includes a series of flaps,as can be seen at 57 a, 57 b, or 57 c. As noted, these overlays areshown simply extending upwardly upon the tongue. But, during usage andapplication, one or more of these flaps 57 will extend downwardly, overthe upper surface of the shoe tongue, overlay, or shield 55, so that itsopening slot 58 will become aligned with the opening 59 of the overlay55, so that the fastening strap 60 can extend through both of the slots58, to hold the shoe overlay, and its flaps, in place, against thesurface of the shoe, while worn. The slots 58 may include grommets, asat 59, in order to reinforce these slots and to provide them withlongevity, during continuous usage when the shoes are worn.

As can be seen in FIG. 17, as at 61, and in FIG. 18, as at 62 and 63,various designs may be applied to the flaps 57, so that whichever flapis selected, such as 57 a, b, or c, it will disclose its particulardesign upon the surface of the shoe overlay, during usage. Those flapswhich are not folded down over the upper top of the overlay 55, can bebent under and tucked in beneath the overlay or tongue 55, and yet stillremain held into position of nonusage, under the overlay, even while theshoe is being worn.

As can be also noted, in FIG. 18, and likewise in FIG. 17, it can beseen that the shoe tongues 55 can include a swivel, as at 62 a that evenfurther allows the shoe tongue to be pivoted, from its top to its bottomside, to further add to the versatility of usage of this invention.

FIG. 19 shows a clearer view of the shoe tongue, overlay, or shield 55,how it may have a graphic print 64 provided upon its surface, asintermediate the pair of grommet slots 58, and can be displayed thereat,during usage of the shoe. But, when one or more of the flaps 57 a, 57 b,or 57 c, are folded down either individually, or in combination, uponthe upper front surface of the shoe tongue 55, they can be locked intoposition by means of the strap 60, and held against the shoe tongue, toprovide a different display of coloration, indicia, or design, while theshoe is being worn. Obviously, it can be understood that the strap 60 isdeigned to also fasten the shoe tongue, and the shoe, to the foot, oncethe strap 60 is tightly fastened in position. The strap can includeVelcro, a buckle, a clasp, or any other type of fastener, that allowsfor it to be held securely against the upper quarter portion of theshoe, during its usage.

Viewing the rear portion of a shoe 45, FIG. 20 a shows the vicinity ofthe heel. The shoe has quarter portions 4, 5 upon a sole 2 that extendrearward to a counter 6 that enwraps the heel of the wearer. Above thecounter, the shoe has a rear tab 65 that extends upwardly from the edgeof the quarter portions opposite the sole. The rear tab allows thewearer to grip the rear of the shoe and assists in donning the shoe upona foot. The rear tab has a flip or first overlay 66 a secured upon threesides, preferably by stitching, with an unsecured edge towards the sole.Beneath the first overlay, additional overlays are shown, a secondoverlay 66 b, and a third overlay 66 c. Further overlays, in a pluralitycan be secured upon the rear tab to suit the tastes of the wearer. Theoverlays upon the rear tab are generally Lycra® or other material thatstretches readily. Generally each overlay releasably fastens to the reartab using hook and loop fastening, snaps, loops on posts, and likeconnections.

Then viewing the rear portion of the shoe, FIG. 20 b shows the heel ofthe shoe with the counter 6 in the foreground above the sole 2. Oppositethe sole and atop the counter, the shoe has a rear tab 65, here shownwith two rises outwardly and a valley centered, that assists a wearer togrip the heel of the shoe. This figure shows an athletic shoe however,the invention can be applied to other styles of shoe. Between thequarter portions 4, 5, to each side of the shoe, the rear tab has afirst overlay 66 that extends for the height of the rear tab and alongthe width of the counter from side to side. The present invention has aconstruction that allows for multiple overlays, 66 b, 66 c locatingbeneath the first overlay.

In usage of the present invention, FIG. 21 a again shows the rearportion of a shoe 45. The rear tab 65 extends from one quarter portion 4to the other quarter portion 5, above the counter 6 and opposite thesole 2. As above, the rear tab has a plurality of overlays 66 a, 66 b,66 c, upon one another. This figure shows a wearer gripping the firstoverlay 66 a with opposed fingers F and compressing the first overlay toreveal the second overlap 66 b beneath. The wearer continues rotatingthe first overlay inwardly of the rear tab to expose the second overlayentirely. Thus a wearer can change the appearance of the rear tabreadily. To access additional overlays, the wearer compresses eachoverlay and rotates it inwardly as necessary to reach the desiredoverlay. The overlays upon the rear tab can be used in cooperation withoverlays upon the tongue of a shoe or alternatively the rear tab alonecan have overlays.

Turning the shoe 45 to view the counter 6, FIG. 21 b shows the shoe fromthe rear. Above the counter 6, the shoe has the rear tab with a firstoverlay 66 a in the grip of a wearer's fingers F. Here, the wearer gripsthe center of the first overlay, in the valley and between the rises,and lifts the entire overlay in a hinge like motion into the shoe andbehind the rear tab. In doing so, the wearer exposes the second overlay66 b with the third overlay 66 c still shown beneath. The wearer canreveal further overlays by gripping the center of an overlay, as at 66 bfor example, and lifting it inwardly of the rear tab. This can berepeated for each additional overlay until an overlay desirable to thewearer is shown. The various overlays upon the rear tab can havedifferent colors, team names, team mascots, logos, or other indiciathereon.

Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention mayoccur to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure asprovided herein. Such variations, if within the scope of thisdisclosure, are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of theinvention as defined. The description of the preferred embodiment, andthe depiction of the invention in the drawings, is done so forillustrative purposes only.

1. Footwear incorporating changeable overlays in order to vary thecoloration, design, and indicia of the shoe, when worn, includingfootwear, said footwear having a sole, at least a partial vamp providedupon said sole, and a shoe tongue integrated into the shoe vamp, saidshoe tongue extending behind said vamp and having an upper edge oppositesaid vamp, said shoe tongue having a front surface generally oppositesaid sole and an underside generally opposite said front surface; atleast one overlay being affixed to the upper edge of the shoe tongue,such that when the overlay is not used, the overlay will restcontiguously against the underside of the shoe tongue, but that when theoverlay is applied, to vary the coloration, indicia, or design of theshoe tongue, but that when the overlay is applied, to vary thecoloration, indicia, or design of the shoe tongue, the overlay will foldover and lie upon for full disclosure upon the front surface of the shoetongue, in order to provide an appearance change to the coloration,design, and indicia for the shoe tongue while the footwear is beingworn.
 2. The footwear with changeable overlays of claim 1 wherein saidoverlay is affixed at least to the upper edge of the shoe tongue.
 3. Thefootwear with changeable overlays of claim 2 wherein said overlay isaffixed to the sides and upper edge of the shoe tongue.
 4. The footwearwith changeable overlays of claim 1 and wherein said at least oneoverlay having a generally tubular shape including an interior surface,a fixed end and an opposite free end, said fixed end connecting to saidtongue opposite said partial vamp, and said free end receiving theperimeter of said tongue, and said at least one overlay rolling uponsaid front surface and said underside of said tongue towards said vamp,to display a change in coloration, design, and versatile for the shoetongue.
 5. The footwear with changeable overlays of claim 4 and furthercomprising: at least two overlays; each of said overlays being connectedto the sides and upper edge of the shoe tongue; and, one of saidoverlays flipping over said tongue during usage to reveal a second ofsaid overlays displayed upon the front surface of said shoe tongue,while the first said overlay will rest contiguously against theunderside of the shoe tongue during non usage.
 6. The footwear withchangeable overlays of claim 1 and further comprising: said overlayfolding inwardly upon grasping by the wearer of said footwear upon theouter edges of said overlay and then flipping said overlay against theunderside of said shoe tongue to reveal another of said overlaysoutwardly upon the front surface of said shoe tongue for display.
 7. Thefootwear with changeable overlays of claim 6 wherein there are at leastthree such overlays applied to the shoe tongue during usage.
 8. Thefootwear capable of varying in appearance when worn, said footwearhaving the components of a shoe sole, at least a partial vamp, and atongue extending behind said vamp, comprising: said tongue having anupper edge above said partial vamp and a front surface generallyopposite said sole; at least one overlay affixed to said upper edge ofsaid tongue, said overlay when not in usage resting contiguously againstthe underside of said tongue, and said overlay when applied during usagefolding over said tongue and lying upon the front surface of saidtongue; and wherein the wearer of the footwear can vary the coloration,indicia, or design of the footwear by folding over said overlay withrespect to its affixed tongue.
 9. The footwear of claim 8 and capable ofvarying an appearance when worn, wherein there are a series of overlaysapplied to the shoe tongue, and said overlays being affixed to the shoetongue through stitching.
 10. The footwear of claim 9 and capable ofvarying in appearance said footwear tongue, wherein said series ofoverlays are formed of a stretchable fabric.